Business License & Permits in Nigeria — Every Agency. Every Permit. Done Right.
From business permits and NIPC registration to trademark registration in Nigeria, SCUML, pioneer status, patent, copyright, and licenses from every government agency — Pukka Services gets you compliant, fast. No queues. No frustration. Since 2012.
Get a Free Quote in 2 Hours
Tell us your business type and we’ll send an exact quote immediately.
1,200+
Businesses Licensed
40+
Government Agencies
13+
Years Experience
98%
Client Satisfaction
Trademark Registration in Nigeria
Your brand name, logo, and slogan are your most valuable business assets. Register a trademark in Nigeria today to protect them from copycats and infringement. Pukka handles the complete trademark registration process — from search to certificate — at the Trademarks, Patents and Designs Registry in Abuja and Lagos.
Step 01
Trademark Search Nigeria
Availability & conflict check
Step 02
Application Filing
Registry submission, all classes
Step 03
Examination & Publication
Trademarks Journal advertisement
Step 04
Certificate Issued
Valid 7 years, renewable
Also Covered
Trade Name Registration
Brand name & logo protection
Also Covered
Trademark Renewal & Watch
Ongoing brand protection
NIPC Registration in Nigeria
Mandatory for all foreign-owned businesses in Nigeria, the NIPC certificate unlocks investment incentives, pioneer status, and legitimises your foreign investment with the Nigerian government.
- NIPC registration for foreign investors
- NIPC investment permit and certificate
- Pioneer status application (NIPC)
- Business permit application (Ministry of Interior)
- Expatriate quota & CERPAC guidance
SCUML Registration Nigeria
SCUML registration is legally mandatory for NGOs, accountants, lawyers, real estate agents, car dealers, and all Designated Non-Financial Businesses and Professions (DNFBPs) in Nigeria.
- SCUML registration for NGOs & non-profits
- SCUML registration for all DNFBPs
- Compliance certificate & filing
- SCUML renewal and status maintenance
- AML policy documentation support
Patent & Copyright Registration Nigeria
Protect your inventions, software, creative works, and brand. Pukka handles patent registration and copyright registration at the relevant Nigerian IP registries efficiently and thoroughly.
- Patent registration in Nigeria (20-year protection)
- Patent search & prior art review
- Copyright registration for creative works & software
- Industrial design registration
- IP enforcement strategy consultation
Tax Incentives & EDI
Nigeria’s updated tax incentive framework (replacing the old Pioneer Status scheme) offers targeted relief for qualifying investments in priority sectors. Pukka prepares strong applications for the new Economic Development Tax Incentive (EDTI) and other available incentives through NIPC.
- Pioneer status application to NIPC
- Qualifying industry assessment
- Tax holiday structuring & planning
- TIN (Tax Identification Number) registration
- FIRS compliance & tax clearance certificate
Business Permit & Operating Licenses
A business permit is required for foreign-owned businesses to legally operate in Nigeria. We also obtain sector-specific operating licenses from all relevant federal and state government agencies.
- Business permit — Ministry of Interior
- NAFDAC registration (food, drugs, cosmetics)
- SON certification (standards compliance)
- Import/export license — Federal Ministry of Trade
- State-level trade permits (including Ogun State)
Licenses from All Government Agencies
Every regulated industry in Nigeria requires specific licenses. Pukka obtains permits and licenses from every relevant government agency — federal, state, and local — across all sectors.
- DPR license — oil, gas & petroleum sector
- CBN license — financial services & fintech
- NCC license — telecoms & communications
- NESREA permit — environmental compliance
- EC registration — capital markets & investment
Full Coverage
We Obtain Licenses & Permits from Every Nigerian Government Agency
Pukka navigates every regulatory body so you don't have to. We have working relationships with all federal and state agencies across Nigeria.
NIPC
Investment Commission
NAFDAC
Food, Drugs & Cosmetics
SON
Standards Organisation
DPR / NUPRC
Oil & Gas Sector
CBN
Central Bank of Nigeria
NCC
Telecoms Commission
NESREA
Environmental Agency
SEC
Securities & Exchange
FMBN
Mortgage & Housing
NIMASA
Maritime Authority
NCAA
Aviation Authority
NBC
Broadcasting Commission
Pricing & Requirements
Cost of Business Licensing & Permits in Nigeria
All-inclusive & Transparent
What you see is what you pay, no hidden charges, no surprises.
The cost of obtaining a business license or permit in Nigeria depends on the specific agency, industry, ownership structure (local or foreign), and complexity of your application. Our all-inclusive service covers government fees, professional service charges, document preparation, submissions, follow-ups, and delivery.
Business License Fees in Nigeria (2025–2026)
Final cost varies by your specific requirements. We provide a clear, itemised quote upfront after a quick assessment.
Service | Timeframe |
|---|---|
| Trademark Registration Nigeria | 12–24 months |
| NIPC Registration & Certificate | 2–4 weeks |
| Business Permit (Ministry of Interior) | 4–8 weeks |
| SCUML Registration | 1–2 weeks |
| Pioneer Status Application (NIPC) | 3–6 months |
| Patent Registration Nigeria | 12–18 months |
| Copyright Registration Nigeria | 2–4 weeks |
| Import / Export License | 2–6 weeks |
* Final cost varies by industry and specific requirements. Get an exact quote.
Requirements for Trademark Registration in Nigeria
To register a trademark in Nigeria, you will need:
- The trademark name, logo, or slogan to be registered
- Trademark class(es) under the Nice Classification system (Pukka advises on the right classes)
- Details of the owner — individual or company name and address
- CAC Certificate of Incorporation (for company-owned trademarks)
- Power of attorney authorising Pukka to file on your behalf
Requirements for NIPC Registration in Nigeria
To register with the NIPC in Nigeria, you will need:
- CAC Certificate of Incorporation of your Nigerian company
- MEMART (Memorandum and Articles of Association)
- Details of directors, shareholders, and proposed investment
- Business plan or investment proposal
- Tax Identification Number (TIN)
- Proof of equity investment or capital importation
Who Needs SCUML Registration in Nigeria?
All Designated Non-Financial Businesses and Professions (DNFBPs) in Nigeria must register with SCUML. This includes NGOs & non-profits, accountants, legal practitioners, real estate agents, car dealers, jewellers, casinos, and any other business handling significant cash or cross-border transactions.
Simple Process
How We Obtain Your Business License or Permit in Nigeria
We eliminate the confusion of Nigeria's regulatory landscape.
You provide your documents — Pukka handles every government agency interaction on your behalf.
Free Consultation & Assessment
Tell us your business type and the license you need. We assess your requirements and advise on the exact permits required for your industry and ownership structure.
Document Checklist & Preparation
We send you a clear, tailored document checklist. Our experts prepare all application forms, cover letters, and supporting documents required by each government agency.
Application Submission & Follow-Up
We submit your application to the relevant agency, pay all official fees on your behalf, and actively follow up at every stage to ensure your application moves forward promptly.
License / Certificate Delivered
Your licence, certificate, or permit is delivered to you physically and digitally. We also set renewal reminders so your compliance never lapses.
Why Choose Pukka
The Pukka Advantage for Business Licensing in Nigeria
Every government agency in Nigeria has different requirements, timelines, and unwritten rules. Pukka's 13 years of experience means we navigate every one of them efficiently.
🎯
Specialists in Nigerian Regulatory Compliance
We know every government agency's requirements inside-out — NIPC, NAFDAC, SON, CBN, DPR, NCC, and more. No guesswork, no back-and-forth.
⚡
Fastest Processing Available
We have established working relationships with key government agencies and know exactly how to get your application processed as fast as legally possible.
🌎
Foreign Investor & Multinational Specialists
We handle business permit, NIPC, pioneer status, and expatriate quota applications for foreign investors entering Nigeria from across the world.
🅾
IP Protection Experts
From trademark searches to certificate issuance — Pukka protects your brand in Nigeria. We also handle trademark disputes, opposition proceedings, and renewal filings.
💰
All-Inclusive, Transparent Pricing
You get a complete quote upfront. Our price includes all government fees, agency charges, and Pukka professional fees — never a hidden charge.
📱
WhatsApp Updates at Every Stage
Your dedicated account manager sends you progress updates via WhatsApp throughout the entire licensing process — from application to certificate delivery.
Client Testimonials
Trusted by Businesses & Investors Across Nigeria & Africa
What our clients say about Pukka's business licensing, trademark, NIPC, and permit services in Nigeria.
“We found PUKKA in 2012 on the recommendation of our foreign partners in Nigeria and have been stuck since then. They handled our NIPC registration, business permit, and all government licensing seamlessly. Highly responsible and easily accessible.”
Mr. Rotem Cohen
Founder, Nextgen Media Ltd
“PUKKA are simply miracle workers. From our NIPC certificate to trademark registration and business permit — they handled every license we needed to operate in Nigeria. Reliable, consistent, and incredibly professional.”
Mr. John Mahon
CEO, Fabworks 360 Ltd, UK
Businesses We Have Licensed, Permitted & Compliant in Nigeria
Businesses We Have Licensed, Permitted & Compliant in Nigeria
Frequently Asked Questions
Business License, Permit & Trademark in Nigeria — FAQs
The most commonly asked questions about business permits, NIPC, trademark registration, SCUML, tax incentives, patent, and government licensing in Nigeria.
A business permit in Nigeria authorises a foreign-owned company to legally operate in the country. It is issued by the Ministry of Interior under the Immigration Act. A business permit is required alongside NIPC registration for all foreign-invested companies in Nigeria.
Requirements include: CAC Certificate of Incorporation, NIPC certificate, tax clearance certificate, company profile, and a board resolution. Pukka handles the entire application process on your behalf.
Trademark registration in Nigeria is done at the Trademarks, Patents and Designs Registry under the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment. The procedure involves: (1) trademark search to confirm availability, (2) filing a trademark application in the relevant Nice class(es), (3) examination by the registrar, (4) advertisement in the Trademarks Journal, (5) certificate of registration issued. The process takes 12–24 months for full certificate issuance, but your rights are protected from the filing date. Pukka handles the complete trademark registration process.
NIPC registration in Nigeria is mandatory for all foreign-owned and foreign-controlled businesses operating in Nigeria under the Nigerian Investment Promotion Commission (NIPC) Act. It provides: access to investment incentives, recognition as a legitimate foreign investor, ability to repatriate profits and dividends, and access to NIPC investment services. Pukka handles full NIPC registration, certificate processing, and related applications.
SCUML stands for the Special Control Unit Against Money Laundering. SCUML registration in Nigeria is legally mandatory for all Designated Non-Financial Businesses and Professions (DNFBPs). Required businesses include NGOs, accountants, legal practitioners, real estate agents, car dealers, casinos, jewellers, and trust/company service providers. Failure to register attracts heavy fines. Pukka handles SCUML registration efficiently.
Nigeria now offers the Economic Development Tax Incentive (EDTI) and other targeted investment incentives (replacing the previous Pioneer Status scheme). These provide tax relief for qualifying investments in priority sectors. Pukka prepares and submits strong applications for EDTI and other available incentives through NIPC. Contact us for an eligibility assessment.
Patent registration in Nigeria is governed by the Patents and Designs Act and processed through the Trademarks, Patents and Designs Registry. It protects new inventions for 20 years from the filing date. The procedure involves patent search, preparing technical documentation, filing, and examination. Pukka handles the full patent registration process.
The government licenses and permits required in Nigeria depend on your industry and business type. Common ones include: Business Permit (Ministry of Interior), NIPC certificate, NAFDAC registration, SON certification, DPR/NUPRC license, CBN license, NCC license, Import/Export license, and SCUML registration. Pukka obtains all of these across Nigeria.
Import and export licenses in Nigeria are required for businesses engaged in international trade. They are issued through relevant ministries and agencies. Pukka Services handles the complete import and export license application process in Nigeria.
- Trademark — protects brand names, logos, and slogans.
- Patent — protects new inventions and technical processes.
- Copyright — protects original creative works (literary, artistic, musical, software, etc.).
Pukka handles all three forms of intellectual property registration in Nigeria.